New software at Monroe library being fine-tuned

Monroe — As part of a library-system-wide change, the Monroe Free Library has updated its computer software. Patrons use this software on their home computers or in the library to search for books and movies in the library card catalog, check which materials they currently have checked out, and request materials to be sent to their home library from other system libraries in Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. The software update, while expected to ultimately improve service, has not been without some bumps along the way. The new system-wide computer software does not currently accept some older versions of browser software. Browser software is the program patrons use to access the Internet on their home computers. Common brands of this software are Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, and Firefox. Software manufacturers periodically upgrade their software and make these new versions available free on-line. Monroe patrons can get quick links for these software updates by going to the www.monroelibrary.org/bwu.htm. On the same website, patrons can also find tips for using the new computer system. “We needed to change to this new software, along with the entire Ramapo-Catskill library system, because our old software system would no longer be supported by the company that made it,” said Marilyn McIntosh, director of the Monroe Free Library. “We realize that some patrons are having difficulty with the update. We are doing our best to accommodate them by giving individual computer instruction when needed.” Library system staff are working daily to improve the functioning of the new system. As the software is fine-tuned, the on-line library catalog is at times temporarily unavailable. For more information, stop by the library at 44 Millpond Parkway, call 783-4411 or visit www.monroelibrary.org.